Constitution Review: Incorporate Women In Executive, Legislative Positions-PCIC

Posted by African Examiner Featured, Latest Headlines, News Across Nigeria, News From The State Thursday, May 27th, 2021

(AFRICAN EXAMINER) – No fewer than twenty Enugu based Civil Society Organizations, led by Parent- Child Intervention Centre PCIC, have called on the nation’s National Assembly (NASS), to adopt and pass a bill for an Act to further alter the provisions of the 1999 Constitution to provide for gender diversity in legislative leadership and Executive positions, among other related matters.

This was contained in a Memorandum Submitted to the Senator Ike Ekweremadu led South – East Senate Constitutional Review Committee on Wednesday, in Enugu by (PCIC) Executive Director, Ambassador Peggy Chukwuemeka.

Making the presentation to the Committee, she said: “We must begin by commending the Nigerian Senate for this opportunity to promote the constitutional reform issues dear to us and the people within our state.

According to her, “We look up to members of the Senate as our representatives to ensure that the issues we are raising are adopted.

“Women constitute about half of Nigeria’s population but occupy only about one in every ten elective and appointive positions in Nigeria.

Ambassador Chukwuemeka, noted that ” Women in Nigeria face many challenges to entering and remaining engaged in politics.

She further pointed out that “Women’s political representation in Nigeria has steadily declined since 2007, and risks declining further without support and action from political leaders.

“Parent-Child Intervention Centre and 20 other CSOs in Enugu State are calling on the Senate in particular and the National Assembly in general to improve the political and socio-economic rights of women.

The CSOs, had in the Memorandum, attached seven draft bills which they are calling on the Nigeria’s Federal lawmakers to consider and passed into law.

“As our representatives, we call on you to adopt and pass the seven draft bills attached to this memorandum.

“The Senate will be meeting the yearnings and aspirations of millions of Nigerians by supporting these bills.

We call on the Senate to adopt and pass the following bills:

“An Act to Further alter the Provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999; To Provide For Gender Equity in Executive Committees of Political Parties And For Related Matters.

The CSO members, equally wants members of the upper chamber of the NASS to pass an Act to further alter the Provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999; to Provide For Gender Diversity in Appointive Positions And For related Matters.

“An Act To Further alter the Provisions of The Constitution of The Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999; To Include Freedom Against /From All Forms of Violence Including Physical, Sexual And Psychological Violence As Part of Right to Dignity of Human Persons and other Related Matters.

It also advocate for an Act To Further Alter The Provisions of The Constitution of The Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999; To Include Gender Diversity As a Benchmark For Federal Character And For Related Matters.

The group noted that “Women are not only mothers, wives and sisters; they have great passion and capacity to address social challenges like poverty, access to health care and education.

“Research has shown that women’s equal participation and leadership in politics are essential to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.

“Distinguished Senators, please adopt these bills and ensure they are passed” she urged the lawmakers